Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Dwayne Washington
1964 - 2016
Dwayne Washington
1964 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1964
DIED
2016
Dwayne Washington Obituary
Washington, who was a star player for Syracuse University under its coach, Jim Boeheim, died of cancer, according to a news release from the university.
Washington was first diagnosed with a benign brain tumor in 1995. He had surgery last summer for a recurring tumor. He needed constant medical care and used a wheelchair.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
Born Jan. 6, 1964, he honed his basketball skills on neighborhood playgrounds and while playing for the Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn. He became the top-ranked high school player before deciding to play for Syracuse.
He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets as the 13th pick in the first round of the 1986 NBA draft. In 1988, the Miami Heat selected him in their expansion draft. Washington retired, however, after playing just three years in the NBA.
During Washington’s illness, current and former players joined others in raising money to help pay his medical bills. A GoFundMe page was created as well.
On Twitter, the hashtag #PrayersforPearl was used frequently in reference to the Syracuse Orangemen basketball program.
In January, Boeheim praised his former player, who helped make the Big East what it is today.
“There is no better guy,” Boeheim said, “and there’s nobody who has meant more to our basketball program” than Washington.
96 Entries
May 17, 2016
Dear Deb, Tarique and Family,
Our sympathies and prayers are with you and the family as you endure the loss of your beloved Dwayne.
God is with you.
- The Staff, Faculty and Parents Association of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Wayne, PA.
Thomas
May 9, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 7, 2016
Dwayne Washington was an outstanding basketball player... The death of a beloved family member is one of the hardest a family has to deal with...May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure the difficult days and weeks ahead...while you continue to cherish the many memories that he shared with all of you...
How you can show support
Gale B
May 6, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Dwayne. My heart goes out to the family. May the God of all comfort bring you all peace and the strength to endure this great loss. Again my deepest sympathy.
Colleen O'Dea
April 30, 2016
You will always have a place in my heart Pearl. RIP
douglas stephens
April 29, 2016
pearl i play againist you in h.s i remember you hit 52 point againist my H.S (tilden) . we thought we was really bad ,but it was that you was that good.i live in syr to got to watch u play you r the reason im a big s.u fan an buy season ticket every yrs. rest in peace pearl the first man to do the cross over
Elder Starlette Burden JNSPIRE Outreach Ministry
April 29, 2016
To : Pastor Sabena Walker and the Washington Family
It is with heartfelt condolences we extend to you our prayers, sympathy and support. May Precious Memories of your Beloved Dwayne help to ease your pain and be reminders of the joyous times you have shared.
Prayerfully Submitted,
susan escobedovillalvazo
April 28, 2016
i want to add my condolence to all of pearls family and friends..
I didn't know him when he played at Syracuse..
I met him at the Carmelo Anthony basketball center where I work a couple of years ago....
I am the custodian there and I want to say that he was the sweetest and kindest man I have ever met.
he always had a kind word or funny joke to pass on to me..
I hope memories of this great man help to ease your pain..may he soar with angels for ever..
Glenn Gibson
April 28, 2016
Pearl,
Thank you for all of the great memories. You were and forever will be Syracuse Basketball. May God bless your family and loved ones in their time of grief.
Rest in Peace #31
Eddie KIRBY
April 28, 2016
God bless Dewyane he was Great
Denise Davis
April 28, 2016
May his soul rest in peace, I firmly believe that God will accept him with open arms for all the good he has done while he was on this earth.
Betty Jenkins
April 27, 2016
I just want to thank God for bringing Mr. Washington into my daughter life, He had A God Filled Spirit. He wanted nothing but the best from her.The Lord Has Came Back For His Angel and he will definitely be missed by many! I Pray That The Lord Will Continue To Strengthen His Love Ones. THANK YOU, Mr. Washington! We Will Always Remember You...Written In Deep Sorrow........
Bob Gewirtz
April 27, 2016
Pearl was a Brooklyn icon. I used to watch him play at Boys High where he was a student under Frank Mickens. I went to a Bar Mistvah with Pearl and he knew some of the customs and prayers. Very respectful person. As great as a player that he was, he was an even better person. R.I.P. Pearl
April 25, 2016
My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr. Washington.
Stephen Clemons
April 24, 2016
You will be missed but your humble and considered spirit will live on in your fans!
Carolyn Acree
April 24, 2016
My condolences to the family.
Lyord "Pike" DeBerry
April 24, 2016
Pacman. RIP. Gone far too soon. A true Brooklyn Legend. Glad to have made your acquaintance. Condolences and blessings to the family. From one Brooklyn baller to another: Your legacy will live on the streets of Brooklyn and beyond. Pike
April 24, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss. What a tremendous loss. From what I've read about the Pearl I wish I had known him personally.
Toni Taylor/Pittsburgh, PA
J. Ellis
April 24, 2016
To the Washington Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this time. 2 Corth.1:3&4.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 24, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
J Nelson
April 23, 2016
RIP Pearl! Thanks for the Memories!
Kevin Harris
April 23, 2016
I was Pearl Washington personal trainer when he came to the NJ Nets at Short Hills NJ. He was a humble and fun person to train. I will truly miss you. Kevin Harris. [email protected]
Kevin Harris
April 23, 2016
I was Pearl Washington personal trainer when he came to the NJ Nets in Short Hills he was a humble and fun person to train. I will miss you. Kevin Harris. [email protected]
Roseanne chattier(Scott)
April 23, 2016
You will be greatly missed .but not forgotton ,great man
Norris white
April 23, 2016
I pray that his family can take comfort in knowing the lives he has
Touched.He will be truly missed. The best to ever do it from Brooklyn.
Nancy Rodriguez
April 23, 2016
To the grieving family of Mr Dwayne so sorry to hear of your loss. I,m sure you have read these famous words : " Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. " - - - - Matthew 5 : 5 King james version, Those who live on the earth will enjoy the benefits foretold in Revelation chapter 21 : 4. They will see our world completely change because God will do away with everything bad, suffering sorrow, and pain-even death.
Ben Rosa
April 23, 2016
I remember growing up with Pearl in the Seth Low Houses. He was a always a good kid and became a great ball player and an even greater man. He represented the best of what our neighborhood had to offer. What always impressed me the most was his humbleness and that he never forgot where he came from. He will be sorely missed. RIP!
April 23, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
April 23, 2016
Condolence to the family,may God's love console you in your time of sorrow.......
Thomas Franco
April 22, 2016
I remember dwayne when i was a 14 year old big east fan and even though i was a pc fan i always would admire how this guy played and how exciting it was to watch him play that point guard postion ,thank u pearl for all the memories u gave me as a fan and you will never be forgotton
Kim Monaghan
April 22, 2016
Manley Field House, Orange on White scrimmages, photo and autograph opportunities. I was 10 years old and my parents took us every year. I still have my autograph book filled with signatures...Boeheim, Alexis, Addison, Spera, Triche, Seikaly, Hawkins, Monroe, all of them. I remember "the shot", half court for the win! Growing up he was my Derek Jeter. Great player, great person, legend. A few years ago I attended a function at the Dome with my kids and dad. The night included an old timers game. I was sitting on the end next to the stairs and they ALL came up and down...Coleman, Addison, Devendorf, Wallace and more. Then I saw him. I grabbed my dad's arm and got sweaty and my heart beat faster, I said "Dad, it's him! It's Pearl, he's coming!" As he got closer I stood up with my phone on and in my hand..."Pearl, would you please take a picture with me?" Of course he did and I felt like a 10 year old kid all over again. Another piece of my heart has broken. Forever and always my favorite. Thanks Pearl. May God be with your friends and family.
Dawn Alexander
April 22, 2016
I will never forgot how we played together growing up. Johnny on the pony, Ring a leavie O, and even double dutch...lol. that right double dutch Pearl had skills in whatever he did. I attended Alex. Hamilton Pearl Boys and Girls. I never missed a game we played together. He would tell his buddies at school I was his cousin. I remember those days fondly. Sip my brother
April 22, 2016
OUR CONDOLES TO THE FAMILY.DOING THEIR TIME OF GRIEF. MAY GOD'S LOVING-KINDNESS COMFORT AND HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIMES. PS. 119:50,76.
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Geneva Pratt
April 22, 2016
Deepest condolences to the Washington family. He was a great person.
Patti Millington
April 22, 2016
God bless you and you're family
April 22, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Kelley Ph.D., CAA
April 22, 2016
I first met Pearl at the Five-Star Basketball Camp in Honesdale Pennsylvania and your bright smile & friendly demeanor all the while you were "breaking ankles" was a pleasure to see & is how I will always remember you! My heart goes out to the Washington Family!! Prayers for all of you through this difficult time!
David Kelley Ph.D., CAA Syracuse Class of '92
T
April 22, 2016
I will always remember you Pearl and celebrate your life. Thinking of his family and friends.
-TMF
April 22, 2016
its a very sad day and huge loss for fans of Syracuse basketball! thank you for the joy you brought to so many, god bless!
Diane Milligan
April 22, 2016
So sad! I remember "Pearl" Washington fairly well when he played for SU. Great player and all around nice guy. My condolences to His family during this time.
April 22, 2016
Washington family may the Hearer of prayer hear your cry for help during this difficult time of loss. He can make you firm as you mourn. (2 Thessalonians 2: 16,17) My sincere condolences to the Washington family.
D R
April 21, 2016
My heart felt sympathy goes out to Dwayne's family. I hope the fond memories of him bring you all comfort.2Corthnians 1:3,4
Dee Mcgee
April 21, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the family. He bought joy to many watching jhim play. May God, his spirit and his promise to comfort you help you in the days ahead. Psalms Chapter 23.
April 21, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Pearl was a great man.
Morgan Jenkins
April 21, 2016
#31 is no longer just in the carrier dome rafters, it is in eternity. Pearl was the nicecest, most patient man when it came to SYRACUSE BASKETBALL FANS. An angel on earth, long before he made it to heaven. "Pearl" will live on forever!!!
April 21, 2016
I had some of my greatest moments playing in streetsball tournaments with Pearl. It was more exciting just to watch him play. He was destined
to be great. A dear friend to all and will be missed by all. RIP Pearl. My prayers to him and his family always!!!
Curtis "Pepe" Dancy (Bed-Sty Brooklyn)
Dolly Doll
April 21, 2016
Praying and sending love to u and your fam. Love u
L
April 21, 2016
My deepest sympathy to you Washington Family. I hope that the peace from God that surpasses all understanding brings comfort to your grieving hearts.
Lucia Primus-Benoit
April 21, 2016
You and your family remain in my heart and prayers. God bless your family and give you Peace❤
Ishamy St.fleur
April 21, 2016
My Condolences, we will keep his family in our prayers. From Ishamy St.fleurs Family
Lorie S. Johnson - Boys & Girls High, Alumna 1981
April 21, 2016
God's Rest is the Sweetest Rest anyone will ever know! My Prayers and Sympathy go out to the family...
Eric Frank
April 21, 2016
I met The Pearl when my sister was a freshman at Syracuse and he was I believe a sophomore. He signed a nice note to me on 'The Daily Orange' at Cosmos and my idol was born (was 11 years old at the time). To say the I followed him closely throughout his career was an understatement. I have never been more enamored with a players skill set and simply was thrilled to watch him play. When he was drafted by the Nets in '86 it was incredible. I turned my attention to a beleaguered franchise of which I would watch many a game on SportsChannel. When the Heat took him in the expansion draft I became a fan of the young franchise and would wish that he would get more playing time over Rory Sparrow and Jon Sunvold. Even got myself on WQAM when visiting my grandparents to state my claim. He was electric but the transition to the pros did not suit him well. When he was gone from the Heat I followed his career in the CBA with the San Jose Jammers. This was pre internet so I would order the San Jose Mercury News and keep track of his stats by hand. I would be ever so excited when my paper would arrive and I would open up the small sports section to find his stats. Years later I was invited by a broker to a Big East Tournement finals where we got to play in MSG on the floor before the game. The year before I had played in the same event and my coach was former Pitt star Charles Smith. The next year my coach was... The Pearl. I was elated to finally meet my boyhood idol as he was as good of a man as he was a player. May he rest in peace and my three boys someday have a sports idol like The Pearl to look up to. G-D rest his soul.
Karyn Bolton
April 21, 2016
You will be missed my friend. You just don't understand the lives you touched through your skill of playing basketball and brought the love through your smile.
Donny Brown
April 21, 2016
The Pearl was HARD TO GUARD! Honored to have played against you 6 times during BIG EAST Play.....Rest in Peace
Cynthia Stoner
April 21, 2016
R.I.P. "Pearl" Dwayne Washington R.I.P.
Chris Redington
April 21, 2016
We are all so sad about the passing of the Pearl. He was a great guy and a great basketball player.
Sherry Wright Hackett
April 21, 2016
My Deepest sympathies RIP.
William Howard
April 21, 2016
Pearl going up against you was a True delight! I watched more than I defended but it was a joy to share the court with a true Brooklyn legend and ambassador RIP !!!
April 21, 2016
Memories of you will live on.May your family look to God for strength to endure. Philippians 4:13
April 21, 2016
My prayers to his fiance, family, friends, and fans. May we commit ourselves to find a cure to brain cancer!
David Card
April 21, 2016
RIP Pearl you brought so much joy to all the basketball world. Syracuse will never forget you. Thank you...
Torey Stockton
April 21, 2016
S.I.P
Jane Dowling
April 21, 2016
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
April 21, 2016
may your family have peace and strength and much-needed comfort to see you through this sad time.
April 21, 2016
I am very for your loss. God cares and promises to comfort you all during this difficult time. May fond memories keep him alive in your hearts always.
Thomas Moore
April 21, 2016
The Pearl will be missed and I will pray for the family in a time of bereavement
Lilie W
April 21, 2016
You will be remembered as one of the greatest Syracuse University legends so beloved and embraced by the entire Syracuse community. We will never forget you. RIP, Pearl.
Richard Garcia
April 21, 2016
Good bye to the best thing to ever happen to syracuse hoops. ..thank you for all of the great things that you accomplished in your life. .....it really is true that only the good die young. ..rip knowing that you did it the right way! Your mother should be very proud. :( go orange!
Jerry Kelly
April 21, 2016
God Bless you Pearl,and may you RIP. Thank you for being a great player and a better person, this world is a better place because of YOU.
Jason Smith
April 21, 2016
RIP Pearl you memories will live on! Prayers go out to the family.
Kevin Francis
April 21, 2016
The world will be just a little colder now that you're gone. I'm still ravaged by disbelief.
I'll never forget our little battle at Lafayette Gardens...my most treasured 'Pearl' memory.
#BigEast
Ward Warren
April 20, 2016
R.I.P. PEARL. PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY FRIENDS TEAM MATES A LEGEND IS NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Charles Sullivan
April 20, 2016
In the annuals of Big East lore, a lasting testament to Dwayne 'Pearl' Washington is that: it didn't take long to call the role.
Thank you, for the amen-nodding transcendent memories.
I offer my condolences to his family, and to 'Cuse Nation.
C M
April 20, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
lisa Roberson
April 20, 2016
So many memories, one of my childhood legends, prayers to the Washington family. Make you rest in peace but will never be forgotten!
Quentin Jones
April 20, 2016
RIP Good Brother. What matters is not how long you live. What really matters is what you did while you were here and the impact you had on others. You won bro in the game of life for sure.
April 20, 2016
May God's love strengthen your faith,bring you hope. And give you comfort. Always.....The Estrada Dunn family.
Maurice Cox
April 20, 2016
RIP Pearl
Michael Calcagnino
April 20, 2016
You were the greatest..
Darrun C. Hilliard I
April 20, 2016
RIP,Thank u 4 the great memories.BigEast Basketball.
Daniel Goodine
April 20, 2016
Brownsville is much better because of you pearl we never forget your kindness and love you gave to those in need to the end.
Joe
April 20, 2016
So long,Pearl...you will always be loved and missed dearly....
Michael Graham
April 20, 2016
The best point guard I ever seen during my time. RIP, my friend
Julie Williams
April 20, 2016
S.I.P. MY DEAR FRIEND YOU WERE A TRUE KING AND YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. LOVE YOU.
John Lambert
April 20, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Dedria Varise
April 20, 2016
My Condolences to the family, God bless and Comfort Y'all for your loss.
April 20, 2016
This is sad news. I am so sorry. My prayers for the Washington family.
Sandra Ford
April 20, 2016
To the Washington Family,
Sorry for your loss. Young man gone too soon. May he RIP
Hon. John M. Lischak
April 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to Pearl's family and friends of whom I am privileged to count myself. Honorable John M. Lischak
Ed M
April 20, 2016
Love Ya Pearl
Adrian Barnette
April 20, 2016
We'll miss you !
April 20, 2016
My condolences to the family, may the God of all comfort help you to endure during this time of grief.
April 20, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful timed spent together with Dwayne. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
Showing 1 - 96 of 96 results
Make a Donation
in Dwayne Washington's name
How to support Dwayne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dwayne Washington's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored